Definition

To cause someone to die or be severely injured by passing electricity through their body.

Example

The worker was electrocuted while repairing the power line.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that accident at the construction site?

Yeah, I heard someone got electrocuted by a fallen power line.

That's so dangerous; I can't believe it still happens.

I know, right? Safety should always come first.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Electrocute is formed from "electro-" (from Greek "ēlektron", meaning amber or electricity) and "-cute" (from Latin "caedere", meaning to cut or kill). The word describes the act of causing death or injury through electric shock, as if cutting life short.

Memory Tip

Think of 'electricity' ('electro-') causing harm or 'cutting' ('-cute') life short — that's why electrocute means to kill or injure with electricity.

Visually Confused Words